University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga Program

The University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga offers a fully accredited advanced three-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency Training Program. This program aims to cultivate plastic surgeons who are adept at combining artistic creativity with technical skill, ultimately preparing them for a successful career in the rewarding field of plastic surgery. Residents will train under nationally recognized faculty who specialize in diverse areas within plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Program Structure

In order to qualify for the Plastic Surgery Residency Program, applicants must have completed five progressive years in an accredited general surgery residency and meet certain prerequisites to take the American Board of Surgery's certification examination. Furthermore, candidates must have successfully passed the USMLE Step 3 before they can be appointed to the program 1.

The program consists of a broad training curriculum that includes rotations in areas such as congenital defects of the head and neck (including cleft lip and palate), neoplasms of the head and neck, craniomaxillofacial trauma, aesthetic surgery, and plastic surgery of various body areas including the breast, hand, and lower extremities 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

During their training, residents engage in specific practice areas such as burn management, microsurgery, reconstructive surgery utilizing tissue transfer techniques, and treatments of benign and malignant skin lesions. The curriculum is designed to ensure comprehensive exposure to both the functional and aesthetic management aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Residents gain practical experience and acquire essential skills in surgical design, diagnosis, and the artistic anatomy of the procedures they perform 6.

Training Sites

The residency program primarily utilizes Erlanger Medical Center, which operates as a Level I Trauma Center and serves as one of the major training sites. The center not only provides critical care but also enables residents to gain significant hands-on surgical experience. Faculty members actively involved in the residency have their own private practices, which provide additional learning opportunities for residents 1.

Research and Faculty

The program encourages resident involvement in research endeavors, which can enhance their learning experience and pave the way for scholarly project presentations. Faculty members, each with unique areas of expertise ranging from aesthetic procedures to hand surgery and burn care, mentor residents and contribute to both clinical and research-based education 4.

Current faculty includes specialists like Dr. Mark A. Brzezienski, who serves as the program director and has extensive experience in aesthetic surgery and breast reconstruction. Other faculty members also bring diverse backgrounds and specialties, crucial for a well-rounded educational environment 5.

Competitiveness and Eligibility Requirements

The application process requires candidates to participate in the Plastic Surgery Matching Program by the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons, and they must fulfill all requirements outlined by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. The program has specific eligibility requirements, such as being board-eligible in general surgery or holding both dental and medical degrees 8. This competitive environment is reflective of the program's reputation, although it is reported to be generally friendly toward DO and IMG applicants 7.

Visa Support and International Applicants

The program provides sponsorship for specific visa types for international medical graduates (IMGs). This is important for applicants who are not US citizens but have completed their medical education in other countries. The program assists with obtaining J-1 visas, facilitating a seamless transition for IMGs looking to gain residency experience in the United States 3.

Graduate Outcomes

The graduates from the program exhibit a strong success rate in achieving board certification in plastic surgery, with many going on to undertake fellowships for further specialization or securing positions in private practice or academia. Their training emphasizes not only the surgical skills required but also the importance of compassionate patient care and professional integrity 2.